Replay: Chat with Free Press columnist Jeff Seidel

Jeff answered readers' questions May 31, 2013

Hey all. Welcome to the chat. First, let me say something. I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to the family of GVSU QB Cullen Finnerty. He’s got a wife and kids. That’s just such a horrible, sad story. And by all accounts, Finnerty was beloved by his teammates. I was in Baldwin earlier this week, when they found him, and it was heart breaking. And I’ve seen a bunch of wild stuff. Anyhow, sorry to start this on such a sad note. But that’s what has been dominating my thoughts this week.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:00:30 PM

So let's get this started.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:00:36 PM

Good morning Jeff. Now that the playoffs are done for the red wings. In your opinion what went wrong with them as they did have a 3-1 lead?

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:01:06 PM

What went wrong with red wings? Overall, Chicago was better. Losing game 6 in Detroit was huge. Now, think back to the game where Toews had the penalties. If he doesn't have those penalties, I think Chicago wins that game. Overall, Chicago was better. Having said that, it was right there for the taking.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:02:32 PM

Jeff it's interesting. Verlander was given this huge contract extention and now he's having pitching woes. Isn't always after these stars get the big bucks their stats go way down ?

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:02:42 PM

I don't agree. Sanchez got the big bucks; and he is doing just fine. I think the signing just makes fans focus differently. Like the day after jimmy howard dipped into the bank, he had a horrible game. I think it’s just the fans' focus. But I will give you this, it would be an interesting study. Maybe, there is something to letting down mentally. Maybe, it’s a guy pressing. To prove he deserves it. But I don't think so.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:04:25 PM

Jeff I for one would like to see a Chicago/ Pittsburgh final just to answer the age old question who is the biggest crybaby captain Toews or Crosby.

by INJ5/31/2013 3:05:01 PM

Too funny

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:05:06 PM

Jeff why do the Wings have to wait till July to talk to Datsyuk about an extension,when the L.A.Kings just signed Robin Regehr to one?

by INJ5/31/2013 3:05:17 PM

You know, I do know the Wings have to wait, and I don't know the answer to your question. I will try to find out.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:05:50 PM

Who coaches the Pistons next year?

by Nick5/31/2013 3:06:36 PM

Total guess. I say McMillan or Shaw. And it's decided by Joe D vs. Jackson in an arm wrestling match. Winner gets to name the coach.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:08:11 PM

What do you think about the rumors that Phil Jackson may become the new President of Basketball Operations (Dumars fired) and then hiring Brian Shaw as head coach?

by Kevin5/31/2013 3:08:38 PM

Kevin: As I said, it's gonna come down to that arm wrestling match (Ok, just kidding)... I'm sorry, I just don't see Jackson coming here. If the Pistons were based in NYC or West coast, sure.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:09:24 PM

Are there any plans to replace joe Louis arena with a new state of the art facility that both the red wings & pistons can play in? Are there plans for the pistons to move back to downtown in the near future?

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:09:58 PM

yes, the wings would love a new arena. A few weeks ago, I looked into this and I was told that there are about 100 things holding it up. I’m guessing it’s a mix of politics and lack of public funds. That’s usually the story in Detroit. As far as the Pistons, they have pumped a lot of money into the Palace. Personally, I’m really torn on this issue. Having spent a lot of time writing about the troubles in Detroit, it’s a hard sell to use public funds for an arena. But I do see the good that has come out of Comerica and ford Field. Do I think it would be great if the Wings got a new place? Heck yes. The fans deserve it. It would be incredible. But, as you know, politics in Detroit is a crazy thing.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:12:08 PM

How is Darius Slays recovery from knee surgery coming along ? Will he be ready for training camp? Why is it that Mayhew always drafts injured players like Broyes and expects a great player? Isn't he not making huge gambles? Javhid best another example.

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:12:55 PM

Slay is big and quick, exactly what the Lions need at corner. He had his knee scoped. At least, that's what I understand. Scoping a knee is not a big deal. Two weeks ago, he was moving effortlessly, according to reports. I think he will be just fine. I like the pick. I don’t think there is any comparison to a guy who needs to have a knee scoped and a guy with a history of concussions. Guys get scoped all the time in the NFL. Now, I'm not sure I have ever heard exactly what was done. If it was just "cleaning it out"... no big deal. If it was really extensive, that's something different.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:15:04 PM

Here's what I'm thinking. Sign Tebow then trade Suh to the Vikings for Adrien Peterson. Can Mayhew get this done?

by Bilberry Boze5/31/2013 3:15:33 PM

Hmm... don't even know what to say here...

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:16:05 PM

Jeff who do see the pistons taking with the 8th pick in the draft? Will they get that swing man they cherish? Do you see them signing any free agents? Who will be their next Head coach? And when will they decide that?

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:16:58 PM

Wow, Sammy, just firing stuff. This is not an amazing draft. I go best player available. That worked with getting Drummond. And he is going to become very very good. In one mock draft, SI had the pistons taking Michael Carter Williams. Big kid. Point. Calderon is a free agent. But that creates a problem with Knight. Knight needs to play point to learn how to distribute. Now, I wouldn’t have a problem if the Pistons went big. Personally, I’ve said Oladipo, but he won’t be there.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:19:10 PM

If Anthony Bennent falls to 8th could you see the pistons taking him to play a stretch 4 and potentially moving Monroe before his contract is up and he possibly asks for max contract? Maybe move him for a wing player in the final year of his deal like a rudy gay? And have a starting five of drummand, bennent, gay, knight and calderon? Just a thought, what do you think?

by PSM5/31/2013 3:19:56 PM

Bennett has long arms; great rebounding. High ceiling. Can contribute to nba immediately. Great athlete. (I think he had shoulder problems, but I could be mistaken). And if you took Bennett, as one local writer has suggested, you could amnesty Charlie V... overall, yes, I would take him without a doubt.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:23:05 PM

Any idea how much longer Austin Jackson will be out......Seeing Don Kelly in the line up everyday screams Ryan Raburn 2012 to me!!

by Barry5/31/2013 3:23:40 PM

Barry: I have to be honest. For the past few weeks, I've done nothing but Wings and the GVSU QB. I have not been in the Skipper's office. I do not know the latest on the injury.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:24:29 PM

Piston Predictions?

by Jamal5/31/2013 3:24:42 PM

They will eventually hire a coach.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:24:54 PM

OK, just being snarky. I really have no idea. Let's wait and see who they draft and what happens in free agency. It's a huge summer. Everything could swing this summer. Either way.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:25:37 PM

NO PSM.... WE CANT HAVE KNIGHT PLAY THE TWO GUARD.. HE IS TOO SMALL ON DEFENSE.. JEFF, HAVE YOU HEAR ANY RUMORS TO WHAT DIRECTION THE PISTONS WANT TO GO IN TRADES OR FREE AGENTS? I THINK WE SHOULD GO HARD AT OJ MAYO IN FREE AGENT AND SOMEHOW PACKAGE 8TH PICK, STUCKEY, SINGLER FOR L.DENG.. STARTING 5. KNIGHT, OJ MAYO, L.DENG, MONROE, DRUMMOND.. AND STILL HAVE CASH LEFT TO MAKE A LIL SPLASH TO THE BENCH.

by DEVIN BROOKS5/31/2013 3:26:38 PM

Wow. Let's ease off on the caps, there, Devin. Sounds like you are screaming. You make a valid point about Knight at the 2. He needs to learn to distribute better to be the point.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:28:42 PM

I think the tigers did well in not trading Rick Porcello this year as our bullpen really needed the help of Drew Smyly. What's your feeling about the state of the tigers bullpen and will they trade some minor leaguers to strengthen for the pennant race?

by SammyK5/31/2013 3:29:12 PM

I agree about Porcello. But I think it's too early to start trading prospects. They didn't do it when they needed a closer. and that has worked out. So far, at least.

Completely random, off topic, but are the Pistons going to get a new logo or uni's anytime soon? The red, white and blue has gotten old and given the teams new identity with new players and ownership can we expect something new soon?

by Nick5/31/2013 3:31:20 PM

No idea. I'm not a big uniform (colors) guy. It never crosses my mind.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:31:47 PM

Hey jeff name a coach on the Hot Seat.

by Jamal5/31/2013 3:32:18 PM

Let's work in reverse... Leyland-no; Babcock -- heck no; Pistons -- yep (Ok, that's a joke)... so I guess, if you had to pick somebody, it's Schwartz. I can't imagine how he would stay (or the rest of the front office), if they have another horrible year.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:34:14 PM

@Jamal Mark Dantonio....

by Nick5/31/2013 3:34:35 PM

Devin coming hard at me! haha i agree with the size knight has to play the 1, but we arent GMs its easier said than done to make trades, im saying we draft bennent and give knight one more year and hopefully with our money or the draft next year we can get more of a true two guard. Thanks jeff, this chat is great every week

by PSM5/31/2013 3:34:53 PM

Hi Jeff.Do you see the Detroit Lions and Detroit Piston making the Playoffs this year?Or one not the other?

by Elliott5/31/2013 3:35:23 PM

OK. Maybe, I'm an absolute fool (and if you ask my kids, they totally agree) but I say the Lions. the NFL is built for bounce back. I like Bush. I like the draft picks. I like the direction of the organization. Now, are there a hundred things that cause concern? Yes. Like the offensive line. Which is where it all starts. But if they hangs together, then I see another big year for Calvin. And the secondary is way better.

by Jeff Seidel5/31/2013 3:36:54 PM

If the Tigers were to call up Nick Castellanos at some point this season, barring a trade, who do you think will be removed from the 40 man roster to add him to the team?